I am a conservative Christian.

That doesn’t mean I hate you if you are something else.  I can actually have a reasonable conversation with you and even like you.  I’ve learned over the years that I don’t win any arguments by “arguing”.

This week I have spent some time at the Central States Fair in Rapid City, SD.  The Republicans and Democrats each have a booth in the vendor area.  I was talking with some of the Democrats working their booth, and having a pleasant exchange.  Then, a Republican friend joined our conversation.  He and one of the Democrats began to talk and almost immediately the temperature in the room started to rise.  The stress level escalated as they engaged in verbal combat.  The environment was so polluted with stress that there was no hope for agreement on anything.  No minds were changed.  Instead, people just dug in and held on to their biases and opinions.

Later, I re-engaged people at the Democrat booth and had another pleasant encounter.  No positions changed on issues, but it was a very civil discussion.  We agreed that the name calling and nasty behavior comes from both sides of the isle, and needs to stop.  I don’t know if that will happen, but I will continue to work on my rhetoric so it isn’t as harsh.

My personal experience may not be typical, but as a conservative Christian who is not and has not been part of the “establishment” in the Republican Party, I have been treated better overall by the Democrats than the Republicans.  When I ran against Daugaard for Governor and Rounds for US Senate, it was people from my own party who were the most unkind.  It was Republicans who belittled me and maligned me.  When I served in the State Legislature, it was the Republican leadership that tried to crucify me for bringing pro-life legislation.  Let me be clear, it wasn’t ALL Republicans.  My point is, that overall, I have been more warmly received by Democrats than by Republicans, even though it is Democrats with whom I have the most disagreement.

Now, I see a repeat of the intolerance from Republicans who are Trump supporters.  I am not a fan of Donald Trump.  I might end up voting for him, but it won’t be without an internal struggle.  In the meantime, when the subject comes up in Republican circles, I tread lightly.  Why?  Because many of the Trump supporters I know (not all) go ballistic if they smell resistance to Trump.  With some I have had reasonable discussions.  They seem to be in the minority.  I am just not interested in fighting about it.  You are entitled to your opinion and welcome to embrace the principles you hold dear.  I can respect that.  For Heaven’s Sake, can’t you do the same?

At the end of the day, I will make up my own mind.  You might not like the advise Senator Cruz gave the nation, but I fully intend to vote my conscience.  While I am agonizing over the decision, you won’t move me any closer to your side by treating me with disdain or being nasty.  PLLeeeease!!!  The Republican party is deeply divided.  That division has to be healed.  I think it demands leadership that represents moral principles without compromise but demonstrates respect for those who have different positions.  The nastiness has to end!

You won’t convince me by treating me badly.

***Gordon Howie is an author and CEO of Life and Liberty Media***

“It’s not about right or left, it’s about Right or Wrong.”

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